The latest developments in computer gaming from around the world will be on show this weekend at the GO3 Electronic and Entertainment Expo.
The three-day expo, which was officially opened by Culture and Arts Minister Sheila McHale today, is being run in conjunction with a commercial gaming conference that has attracted speakers from all over the world.
The main highlights include a ‘free play’ area where Alienware will display its latest machines and displays by Rockstar Games and Entropia Universe.
Ms McHale said the conference provided a forum for members of the local information and communications technology (ICT) and game development industries to develop relationships with national and international partners.
“Information and communications technology has been embraced by Generation Y and will be the communications mode of the future, with broader applications across a range of industries,” she said.
“The digital content industry is the fastest growing industry worldwide, earning about $21billion annually in Australia, while the electronic games industry generates about $110million per annum.
“The applications for these technologies are exciting and varied from simulation for resources and health to film and television production and e-learning.
“The Carpenter Government believes Western Australia’s rapidly growing ICT industry will become a key industry for our State in years to come.”
The Minister said the conference was designed to help support and build on the capacity and capabilities of the local ICT and gaming industry.
“It will provide retailers and consumers with a marketplace for the latest games and entertainment technology and will also provide local ICT education providers with the opportunity to encourage students to pursue a career in ICT,” she said.
The gaming conference has attracted more than 20 national and international speakers from leading technology firms including Sony, Nokia and NVIDA.
ICT Industry Collaboration Centre chair Valerie Maxville said the conference would include a strong focus on students, with the introduction of the newly created Schools ICT Initiative, part of the National ICT Careers Week campaign ‘Start Here, Go Anywhere’.
International Game Developers Association vice-chairman and the driving force behind GO3, David Kazim, said last year’s GO3 conference was very successful and three international gaming companies have since set up operations in Perth.
Admission to the expo at the Perth Convention Centre is free with doors opening from 10am to 8pm today and 10am to 6pm tomorrow and Sunday.
More information is available at http://www.go3.com.au
Minister's office - 9213 6900 
